McAllister backs off request for FBI probe

Statement says he'll focus on regaining the public's trust

Apr. 9, 2014

Vance McAllister

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U.S. Rep. Vance McAllister, R-Swartz, has backed off his request for an FBI investigation into who leaked a security video to media that showed the congressman in a passionate embrace and kiss with a former married staffer.

McAllister’s office issued the following statement, first reported at thenewsstar.com, on Wednesday: “Congressman McAllister’s office will not pursue an FBI investigation at this time regarding the distribution of a video filmed in leased federal office space. Congressman McAllister is focused on earning back the trust of those he has disappointed, and he reiterates his request for privacy for his family during this difficult period.”

On Tuesday, McAllister’s office said the congressman would send a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, asking for an FBI investigation into the video, which was from a security system in the congressman’s Monroe District Office.

His chief of staff, Adam Terry, had called it “a serious breach” of security that was of “grave” concern, a sentiment the congressman shared in an interview with The News-Star late Monday.

But neither McAllister nor Terry nor communications Jennifer Dunagin responded Wednesday to follow-up questions about why the congressman decided against having the breach of security investigated beyond his prepared statement.

The video, which was publicly posted Monday, showed the married congressman with former staffer Melissa Anne Hixon Peacock together in his Monroe District office in December. Peacock has since resigned.

West Monroe minister Danny Chance of Christian Life Church accused McAllister’s Monroe District Office manager Leah Gordon of leaking the video. Chance wouldn’t reveal his sources but said he could produce them in court if need be.

Chance condemned McAllister’s tryst but said he believes “there is a conspiracy to bring Vance down and destroy him. For someone on his staff to do that is wrong,” the pastor said.

McAllister and Terry said they were aware of the allegation against Gordon, but Terry said Gordon denied leaking the video when asked.

Terry did say Gordon was one of only three people who had access to the security video. The other two were Bill Land, who owns the building and leases space to McAllister, and Land’s employee.

Land said he and his employee are willing to take a polygraph test to clear their names.

Gordon hasn’t returned multiple calls from The News-Star seeking comment. As of Wednesday she remained employed as McAllister’s Monroe District Office.

McAllister was back in Washington Wednesday after spending the past few days in Monroe with his family. He and his wife Kelly have five children.